Governor Jan Brewer today announced the appointment of Arizona Court of Appeals Judge Ann Scott Timmer to the Arizona Supreme Court.
Judge Timmer, 52, is the fourth woman since statehood to be appointed to the Arizona Supreme Court. She was among three finalists nominated for Governor Brewer’s consideration by the Commission on Appellate Court Appointments.
“Judge Timmer has a record of integrity and achievement in the legal profession, has proven herself as a well-respected and fair-minded jurist on the Arizona Court of Appeals, and will make an excellent addition to our Arizona Supreme Court,” said Governor Brewer. “It is my honor today to appoint Ann Scott Timmer to our State’s highest court, where I know she will continue to serve Arizona with the kind of distinction that has marked her career over the last three decades.”
Judge Timmer was named to the Arizona Court of Appeals in 2000. She has served as Chief Judge (2008-2011) and Vice Chief Judge (2006-2008). When necessary, due to an absence, she has occasionally acted as a substitute Justice for the Arizona Supreme Court.
Before being named to the Bench, Judge Timmer spent 15 years in private practice with the following firms: Spiess & Short (1999-2000); Wilenchik & Bartness (1995-1999); Morrison & Hecker (1995); Scult, French & Zwillinger (1990-1995); Heron, Burchette, Ruckert & Rothwell (1989-1990); and Storey & Ross (1985-1989). Judge Timmer’s private-practice work focused on civil law – primarily commercial litigation and employment law. She also has experience with criminal law, and has assisted in various death penalty cases as a member of both the prosecution and defense teams. Judge Timmer was a member of the Arizona Judicial Council (2008-2011), and currently serves on the Glendale Judicial Selection Advisory Board. In 2010, she was selected by the Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court to serve as Chairwoman of the Committee on Improving Judicial Oversight and Processing of Probate Matters – a role for which she was commended for her leadership and the probate reforms that resulted.
Earlier this year, Judge Timmer was honored by the State Bar of Arizona with its Award of Special Merit.
Judge Timmer has been licensed to practice law in Arizona since 1985. That same year, she earned her law degree with magna cum laude honors from the Arizona State University School of Law. In 1982, she received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona.
Judge Timmer replaces Justice Andrew Hurwitz, who resigned in June after his appointment to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
“Judge Timmer embodies judicial restraint. She has demonstrated her commitment to interpreting the law as written, as well as her respect for the doctrine of separation of powers,” said Governor Brewer. “I thank Justice Hurwitz for his committed service to our State, and am confident Judge Timmer is well-prepared to succeed him in serving the people of Arizona with wisdom and dignity.”
